Roll-out shelving system

ABSTRACT

This disclosure provides a shelving system comprising a first shelf member fixedly on shelf support members and a second shelf member positioned above the first shelf member and movably mounted on the shelf support members. Further, sliding means are provided for horizontally moving the second shelf member on a top surface of the shelf support members such that the second shelf member moves out of a vertically stacked alignment with respect to the first shelf member. Also, locking means are provided for detachably locking the second shelf member with the first shelf member after a predefined amount of the horizontal movement permitted to the second shelf member

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/742,291, filed Oct. 6, 2018 and titled “Roll-Out Shelving System,” the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application generally relates to enhanced storage systems. In particular, this application relates to roll-out shelving systems including adjustable shelves that are capable of extending and retracting to facilitate efficient storage of, and access to, a variety of items and products. Exemplary systems according to this disclosure include a mechanism(s) that permit reliable and efficient repositioning of one or more shelves, thereby enhancing utilization and efficiencies associated therewith.

BACKGROUND

Generally, conventional shelving systems include upright mounting frame, shelf supports or shelf brackets, and shelves that are supported by the brackets on the mounting frame. These shelving systems are typically designed to store a specific category of articles. For example, a shelving system such as specialized shoe trees and shoe stands are designed to organize or store one's shoes. Similarly, sweaters can be organized in specialized sweater shelving systems, and garden supplies can be organized in a specialized garden or potting benches of the shelving systems. While dedicated shelving systems can be very useful for their intended purpose, they may not work as well to organize other items. Storage racks have incorporated a storage shelf that has the ability to extend and retract to meet the accessibility requirement.

Also, another disadvantage of the conventional shelving systems is that they often are designed for articles having a defined shape and size. In case there is any variance in the shape and size of articles, the conventional shelving systems cannot be expanded or easily modified. In other words, a user cannot add on to or change the existing layout of the shelving systems to create more organizational space for articles having non-regular shape or size. Instead, the user has to purchase a second or third shelving system for organizing differently shaped or sized articles.

Accordingly, there is a need for a shelving system capable of expanding or being modified. Further, there is a need for the shelving system that may be expandable without increasing its footprint. It is to these needs, among others, that this application is directed.

SUMMARY

This application discloses a roll-out shelving storage rack system or roll-out shelving system. The roll-out shelving storage rack system includes adjustable shelves that also substantially, completely extend and retract.

This disclosure relates to a shelving system. The shelving system includes a first shelf member fixedly on shelf support members; a second shelf member positioned above the first shelf member and movably mounted on the shelf support members; sliding means for horizontally moving the second shelf member on top surface of the shelf support members such that the second shelf member moves out of a vertically stacked alignment with respect to the first shelf member; and locking means for detachably locking the second shelf member with the first shelf member after a predefined amount of the horizontal movement permitted to the second shelf member.

In an aspect, a shelving system comprising a first shelf member fixedly on shelf support members; a second shelf member positioned above the first shelf member and movably mounted on the shelf support members, sliding means for horizontally moving the second shelf member on a top surface of the shelf support members such that the second shelf member moves out of a vertically stacked alignment with respect to the first shelf member; and locking means for detachably locking the second shelf member with the first shelf member after a predefined amount of the horizontal movement permitted to the second shelf member.

In an aspect, the first shelf member and the second shelf member are selected from the group consisting of shelving members, hanging rods, drawers, bins and combinations thereof.

In an aspect, the sliding means are selected from a group of tracks, pulleys, rollers, and combinations thereof.

In an aspect, the locking means are selected from a group of hook type locking member, spring-biased locking members, and combinations thereof.

In an aspect, the locking means include a series of locking slots disposed at various points along the side edges of the first shelf member to allow for customization of a shelf size of the second shelf member.

In an aspect, the second shelf member is adapted to horizontally move from a retracted position to an extended position.

In an aspect, the second shelf member includes a back cover which slides or arrives over the first shelf members to complete a shelf surface during the extended position of the second shelf member.

In an aspect, the second shelf member includes spring members, and wherein when the locking means are disengaged, the spring members automatically return at their initial rest position under the bias of internal spring structures associated with spring members, so as to return the second shelf members to the retracted position.

In an aspect, each of the shelf support members includes a support arm and a mounting hook, and wherein the support arm provides support for mounting of the first shelf member and the second shelf member, and the mounting hook mounts the shelf support members on mounting slots of a mounting frame.

In an aspect, the sliding means are mounted on the top surface of the support arms of the shelf support members.

In an aspect, the sliding means are connected to the support arms by a connecting structure. The connecting structure is a channel extending from the shelf support members to the sliding means. The connecting structure defines a substantially U-shaped or n-shaped configuration.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a shelving system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the shelving system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the shelving system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 2C illustrates a longitudinal side view of the shelving system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; and

FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-section of the side view of the shelving system, in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of this disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of this disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

Embodiments explained herein pertain to a roll-out shelving systems (commercially available as “Storage Switching Systems”) and, more particularly, to storage systems that facilitate efficient storage of, and access to, a variety of articles, items, or products. The disclosed shelving systems permit reliable and efficient repositioning of one or more shelves relative to upright supports, thereby enhancing utilization and efficiencies associated therewith. The disclosed shelving systems offer a stable, flexible construction that enhances safety for system users and significant economic benefits through cost-effective use of storage space.

Further, the shelving systems of this disclosure are susceptible to wide-ranging applications. For example, the disclosed shelving systems may be advantageously employed in free-standing shelving systems, e.g., shelving systems for use in commercial or domestic applications such as retail product displays, warehouse storage, electronic and telecommunication equipment storage, garage and attic storage, food storage, etc. Moreover, the disclosed shelving systems may be advantageously employed within enclosures, e.g., within armoires, closets, storage bins, freezers, refrigerators, kitchen cabinetry and the like.

In addition, the disclosed “shelves” may take a variety of forms without departing from the spirit and/or scope of this disclosure. For example, the exemplary “shelves” disclosed herein may alternatively take the form of hanging rods, drawers, bins, and the like. Additionally, the disclosed shelving systems may be manufactured and/or distributed as free-standing, independent units or as components for use in retrofitting existing shelving unit(s) and/or shelving system(s). Thus, as used herein, the terms “shelf” “shelves,” “shelving system” and “shelving systems” are intended to broadly encompass shelving/storage applications wherein storage is achieved through vertically spaced storage elements and wherein efficiencies and/or benefits may be achieved through vertical repositioning of such storage elements.

The above-mentioned implementations are further described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures relate to exemplary implementations, and should not be construed as a limitation to this subject matter. It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of this subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of this subject matter, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary shelving system 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. This figure illustrates the components comprising the roll-out shelving system 100 according to specific embodiments. The components include a frame 10, shelf members 102A and 102B, and mounting hooks 106A, 106B. As per an implementation, the shelving system 100 includes a mounting frame (not shown in FIG. 1). For the purposes of exemplary shelving system 100, the mounting frame has a substantially rectangular cross-section that is substantially uniform from a lower end to an upper end thereof Thus, the exemplary mounting frame defines “box-like” beams and may be advantageously detachably mounted to surrounding structure(s), e.g., walls, cabinetry, adjacent shelving supports, etc. However, alternative cross-sectional configurations are contemplated, e.g., cross-sections that are, in whole or in part, elliptical, trapezoidal, etc., as may be desired to achieve aesthetic effects and/or to accommodate external considerations, e.g., space constraints or manufacturing efficiencies. Mounting frame designs featuring non-uniform cross-sections are also contemplated, e.g., wherein a greater cross-sectional area is defined at the “base” of the mounting frame relative to the “top” of the mounting frame, thereby providing potentially enhanced stability to exemplary storage systems of this disclosure.

The mounting frame defines elongated slots at both longitudinal ends. The dimensional characteristics of the mounting slots at both the longitudinal ends are generally identical, i.e., the mounting slots typically have the same width and length/height. The elongated slots are sized and dimensioned to accommodate vertical movement of shelf support members 102A,102B as described in greater detail below, while ensuring structural stability/integrity of the mounting frame. In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the shelf support members 102A, 102B have substantially identical structural features and dimensions (subject to manufacturing tolerances and the like).

Of note, it is contemplated according to this disclosure that the shelf support members 102A, 102B may be externally mounted on the mounting frames, thereby obviating the need for the mounting slots.

The shelf support members 102A, 102B typically includes support arms 104A, 104B. Further, it is contemplated according to this disclosure that the support arm 104A, 104B may extend from individual mounting hook (106A, 106B), mounting leg (106A, 106B), mounting cantilever (106A, 106B), or the like, to mount or support the shelf support members 102A, 102B on the mounting slots of the mounting frame.

Pulleys or tracks 108A, 108B are mounted on a top surface of the shelf support arms 104A,104B. To prevent the shelves from tilting to the sides, the pulleys or tracks 108A, 108B may be advantageously connected to the shelf support arms 104A, 104B by a connecting structure (not shown in figures). The connecting structure may be a channel extending from the shelf support members 102A,102B to the pulleys/tracks 108A, 108B according to an exemplary implementation of this disclosure. In an example, the connecting structure defines a substantially U-shaped or π-shaped configuration. Also, the manner in which the connecting structure is mounted to respective shelf support members 102A, 102B is not critical and a variety of mounting mechanisms are contemplated, e.g., by welding, conventional coupling, crimping and/or clamping mechanisms, and the like.

As shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2D, the shelving system 100 includes first shelf members 110 and second shelf member 112. The first and second shelf members 110, 112 generally include sides, upper surfaces, and inner edges.

As will hereinafter be described, the first shelf members 110 may be advantageously positioned, as a unit, relative to the second shelf members 110. In the circumstance where the first shelf members 110 are positioned below the second shelf members 112 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B), positioning of the first shelf members 110 to the second shelf members 112 permits the second shelf members 112 to be accessible to users, and places the second shelf members 110 on the pulleys/tracks 108A, 108B mounted to respective shelf support members 102A, 102B. However, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, positioning of the first and second shelf members 110, 112 may be altered according to this disclosure may be undertaken for a variety of advantageous reasons.

According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, movement of the second shelf members 112 relative to the first shelf members 110 is facilitated by horizontal movement of the second shelf members 112 relative to the first shelf members 110. With reference to FIG. 1, structural aspects of an exemplary shelf support member 102A, 102B for fixed support of the first shelf members 110 is provided. As noted above, the first shelf members 110 are fixedly supported on the shelf support members 102A, 102B, while the second shelf members 112 are telescopically movable on the pulleys/tracks 108A, 108B mounted to respective shelf support members 102A, 102B. The telescoping movement described herein may be achieved through sliding (or drawer-like functionality) of the second shelf members 112. The second shelf members 112 may be advantageously formed integrally with the associated first shelves, e.g., the first shelf members 110.

For purposes of the advantageous shelving system 100 of this disclosure, it is generally not necessary that both the first shelf members 110 and the second shelf members 112 be capable of horizontal motion relative to the associated shelf support members 102A, 102B, although such dual motion is not precluded according to this disclosure and is preferred in certain disclosed embodiments.

Thus, in the case where only a first set of shelves are adapted for horizontal motion, the second shelf members 112 are fixed over the pulleys/tracks 108A, 108B mounted at the support arms 104A, 104B for purposes of potential horizontal motion, as described above. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the second shelf members 112 may include back covers 114 which slides or arrives over the first shelf members 110 to complete the shelf surface during the extended position of the second shelf members 110. On the other hand, the first shelf members 110 may be fixed and the first shelf members 110 need not accommodate telescoping motion. In such case, the fixed shelf members 110 are generally fixedly mounted to the associated shelf support members 102A, 102B, and are interconnected with the movable second shelf members 112 in any manner known in the art.

Structural features, e.g., stop levers 116, are generally included beneath telescoping elements, e.g., the second shelf members 112. The stop levers 116 of the second shelf members 112 may engage with the fixed the first shelf members 110, to predefine the amount of horizontal motion permitted to second shelf members 112. Accordingly, each of the second shelf members 112 is permitted equal degrees of horizontal motion relative to the first shelf members 110 and the shelf support members 102A, 102B.

In an example, the stop levers 116 can be hook-type locking members. In an alternative example, the stop levers 116 can be spring-biased type levers.

In operation, the first shelf member 110 is initially vertically aligned with the second shelf member 112. That is, the movable second shelf member 112 is in a fully retracted position. As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, during retracted position, the stop lever 116 is shown extending out from the front edge, and the back cover 114 is shown extending up from the back portion of the movable second shelf member 112. Then, by manual operation of the user, the second shelf members 112 may be advantageously repositioned relative to the first shelf members 110 by horizontally sliding the second shelf members 112 outward (forward), i.e., out of vertically stacked alignment with the first shelf members 110. When the second shelf members 112 reaches a fully extended position, as per an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the stop lever 116 of the second shelf member 112 is detachably locked therein with an edge of first shelf members 110 while the back cover 114 slides and arrives over the slidable tracks 108A, 108B mounted on the support arms 104A, 104B so as to complete the shelf surface for receiving or storing articles in extended position of the second shelf member 112.

Although this disclosure is described using the stop levers 116, those skilled in the art may include a series of locking slots disposed at various points along the side edges of the first shelf members 110 to allow for customization of the shelf size of the second shelf members 112. Also, embodiments may be envisioned in that do not include the back cover 114.

Also, in an implementation, the second shelf members 112 are provided with spring members. When the stop levers 116 are disengaged, the spring automatically return at their initial rest position under the bias of internal spring structures associated with spring members, thereby returning the second shelf members 112 to the retracted position.

Further, an angular orientation of the shelving system 100 may be adjusted relative to a shelving frame (shelf support members 102A, 102B). This adjustment can occur while the shelving system 100 is in the retracted position or the extended position. In the exemplary embodiments, the mounting frame includes mounting slots in which mounting hooks 106A, 106B of the shelf support members 102A, 102B are angled in such a way that the angle of the shelving system 100 may be adjusted depending on which the mounting hooks 106A, 106B engage the shelving frame and can be removably mounted.

Further, with the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure, the second shelf members 112 in their extended position provide about 10-75% more shelf space. In a preferred embodiment, the second shelf members 112 in their extended position provide about 50% more shelf space. In particularly preferred embodiment, the second shelf members 112 in their extended position provide about 33% more shelf space.

While certain embodiment include two shelf members, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the system may be adapted to control a single shelf member or three or more shelf members.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing description; rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow. The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others. 

The following is claimed:
 1. A shelving system comprising: a first shelf member fixedly on shelf support members; a second shelf member positioned above the first shelf member and movably mounted on the shelf support members, sliding means for horizontally moving the second shelf member on a top surface of the shelf support members such that the second shelf member moves out of a vertically stacked alignment with respect to the first shelf member; and locking means for detachably locking the second shelf member with the first shelf member after a predefined amount of the horizontal movement permitted to the second shelf member.
 2. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the first shelf member and the second shelf member are selected from the group consisting of shelving members, hanging rods, drawers, bins, and combinations thereof.
 3. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the sliding means are selected from a group of tracks, pulleys, rollers, and combinations thereof.
 4. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the locking means are selected from a group of hook type locking member, spring-biased locking members, and combinations thereof.
 5. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the locking means include a series of locking slots disposed at various points along the side edges of the first shelf member to allow for customization of a shelf size of the second shelf member.
 6. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the second shelf member is adapted to horizontally move from a retracted position to an extended position.
 7. The shelving system of claim 6, wherein the second shelf member includes a back cover which slides or arrives over the first shelf members to complete a shelf surface during the extended position of the second shelf member.
 8. The shelving system of claim 6, wherein the second shelf member includes spring members, and wherein when the locking means are disengaged, the spring members automatically return at their initial rest position under the bias of internal spring structures associated with spring members, so as to return the second shelf members to the retracted position.
 9. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein each of the shelf support members includes a support arm and a mounting hook, and wherein the support arm provides support for mounting of the first shelf member and the second shelf member, and the mounting hook mounts the shelf support members on mounting slots of a mounting frame.
 10. The shelving system of claim 9, wherein the sliding means are mounted on the top surface of the support arms of the shelf support members.
 11. The shelving system of claim 10, wherein the sliding means are connected to the support arms by a connecting structure.
 12. The shelving system of claim 11, wherein the connecting structure is a channel extending from the shelf support members to the sliding means.
 13. The shelving system of claim 11, wherein the connecting structure defines a substantially U-shaped or i-shaped configuration. 